For the seventh straight year, Louisiana is in the top 10 for Site Selector’s Best States for Business, coming in at number 7. The report looked at factors that allows a business to thrive in Louisiana, including tax burden. Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says this could help bring more national companies to the Bayou State.

“To be at the top of the list is an important place for us to be and positions us to compete effectively for new jobs and investment in Louisiana,” Pierson said.

Pierson says there’s an incredible amount of investment across the state. He says more than $135 billion has been announced in southwest Louisiana and along the corridor from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. He says most of these investments are for petrochemical plants.

“There’s a lot going on in that sector, and we’re thankful to have that, as these low oil commodity prices are beating us up in some of our other communities like Lafayette and Houma and Thibodaux,” Pierson said.

Pierson says his office works hard every day to ensure that Louisiana remains at the top of these rankings. He says they have great partnerships with utility companies across the state, as well as regional economic development organizations, which help them offer incentives to businesses looking to expand in Louisiana.

“There’s great locations for these companies, the legislature’s commitment to keeping our Fast Start program strong, I’m confident we’re going to stay at the top of these lists,” Pierson said.

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